Cau boss steps down and is replaced by Gaucho’s Tracey Matthews

The Gaucho Group has announced the departure of Richard Clark, who is to step down as managing director of Cau restaurants to take on the role of group director of operations at Harbour Hotels.

Clark was appointed managing director of Cau restaurants in July 2016 following the departure of Graham Hall. He was promoted from operations director – a role which he held from January 2015.

Before joining Cau, Clark worked in a number of roles for the Elysium Group, a group consisting of restaurants, bars and clubs in Colchester such as Steak etc; Mimosa; Hudson; and Qube.

Mike Warren, managing director of Harbour Hotels, said: “We are excited to welcome someone with Richard’s excellent background and expertise within the high street dining environment to our expanding group. With a particular focus on our Jetty restaurant and HarBAR concepts, I am very confident that Richard will make a substantial contribution to the on-going success of the business.”

Clark added: “I am delighted to be joining Harbour Hotels at this point in their expansion and welcome the new challenges of growing such a successful and aspirational lifestyle brand. Harbour Hotels already has properties in some of the finest locations in the country and I am looking forward to working with the team to ensure continued success.”

Tracey Matthews, group chief operating officer of Gaucho group will take over his duties.

A spokesperson for Gaucho told The Caterer: “Tracey Matthews will continue in her role as COO of both Cau and Gaucho Group, and will oversee all areas of the business previously within Richard Clark’s remit.”

Founded in 2012 by the same team as Argentine brand Gaucho, beef restaurant chain Cau now has 22 restaurants in the UK and one in Amsterdam with further plans to expand across the UK and internationally.

Harbour Hotels spans 13 coastal, country and city locations across the UK. Having recently opened in Chichester, Guildford, Brighton and Bristol, the group will open in Southampton next month, with the introduction of its new £25m yacht-inspired hotel.